How much are papers worth

[Pdubby00]

I’m searching the net for a good recent SeaDweller/DeepSea and trying to decide how much I really need the papers.

With the wide range of prices from different dealers in the UK it’s hard to really tell how much they are worth, but it seems as though they are valued at around £500. Does that seem about right to you all? And does it really matter not having them so long as it is from a trusted dealer with some form of authentication?

[uhren917]

Unless the watch is super rare or special, I will only buy a "Full Set" watch. Roman Sharf also puts a premium on Box and Papers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfQpXcxrDyI

[Lgear080]

The papers don’t matter aside from the dollar value attached to them. Your valuation is definitely in the ballpark. Obviously older and more unique references will have a higher value attached to their paperwork

[porschejeff]

If you will ever sell the watch, you will want box and papers. f you will keep it, then it doesn't really matter.

[The Libertine]

Papers? Go ahead, send the watch to RSC for a service. It will be returned with paperwork from Rolex as well as a service warranty card both of which document the make, model and serial number of the watch.

In other words focus, first and foremost, on the condition of the watch.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Pdubby00

I’m searching the net for a good recent SeaDweller/DeepSea and trying to decide how much I really need the papers.

With the wide range of prices from different dealers in the UK it’s hard to really tell how much they are worth, but it seems as though they are valued at around £500. Does that seem about right to you all? And does it really matter not having them so long as it is from a trusted dealer with some form of authentication?

Yep about 500 seems right. As others have mentioned, original packaging and paperwork can be worth thousands, even tens of thousands depending on the vintage and reference.

Personally, I think it's such a minimal effort and price to get a complete set on a modern watch, it's the only way I'd go. Unless someone was making me an offer I couldn't refuse.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Pdubby00

And does it really matter not having them so long as it is from a trusted dealer with some form of authentication?

Warranty, booklets, boxes and other accessories do nothing to prove a watch is legitimate. It's really just up to you if you want them or not. Besides the warranty and hang tag with serial number everything else can be put together at a later date.

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Papers? Go ahead, send the watch to RSC for a service. It will be returned with paperwork from Rolex as well as a service warranty card both of which document the make, model and serial number of the watch.

I understand what you're saying, but those still aren't the original warranty.

[bazin]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Warranty, booklets, boxes and other accessories do nothing to prove a watch is legitimate. It's really just up to you if you want them or not. Besides the warranty and hang tag with serial number everything else can be put together at a later date.
I understand what you're saying, but those still aren't the original warranty.

*****
All that said, if you want to buy from a private person which can prove, based on a cpl. set of doc. that he is the 1st owner of the watch offered, it certainly feels better.
Below an example of a typical 100% complete set (incl. purchase invoice) from an unpolished, fully original 1978 Rolex 1675 GMT Master.....

[Boaters]

Papers are nice the full set is great especially for resale.

[Seibei]

Nothing beats a full set. If the difference between a watch with a full set and without is only £500, then I would happily pay the £500, all day every day. You will get your £500 back very easily if and when you sell the watch, and selling it will be so much easier.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Pdubby00

I’m searching the net for a good recent SeaDweller/DeepSea and trying to decide how much I really need the papers.

With the wide range of prices from different dealers in the UK it’s hard to really tell how much they are worth, but it seems as though they are valued at around £500. Does that seem about right to you all? And does it really matter not having them so long as it is from a trusted dealer with some form of authentication?

The so called papers are in most cases are, just a out dated warranty and do not 100% prove authenticity of any watch as these are easier to fake than the watch.Myself would never pay extra for a out dated warranty or a box always buy first condition, whether any service history, then the price.If no service history and watch is around 5-8 years old have it serviced, after service you will have service paper/card and that will be a valid two year warranty.

[ADR1982]

I would pay the extra $ for full set. They get harder to get as time goes by, especially the old school paper ones. And honestly adds a little extra charm to the whole thing.

[Pdubby00]

Thanks all, that's useful advice. Given just how hard it is to get a new one from an AD as a first time buyer, getting a used watch is my only option and so for me i'm thinking I want the full set to get as close to that new experience as possible.

On with the search!

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Pdubby00

Thanks all, that's useful advice. Given just how hard it is to get a new one from an AD as a first time buyer, getting a used watch is my only option and so for me i'm thinking I want the full set to get as close to that new experience as possible.

On with the search!

Going grey you can very easily find the full set and almost new.

There are several places you can find them and just ensure the seller is reputable.

[peterp]

I would say 10% of the watch value. However for some is 1 or 0. They would not buy Rolex without all papers. There is bigger probability such watch was carefully treated, not stolen etc.

[zjd168]

not too much if you just buy for personal long term usage and have no plan to flip.

means everything if you are a collector.

[jaychief]

papers=£500

[ricardoo]

Who ever told you that papers are not important probably they did not tried to sell a modern Rolex in last years without papers because only once i bought a GMT naked and when i tried to sell it , it was nightmare ... Always ! Always buy the watch with papers/certificate card !

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by porschejeff

If you will ever sell the watch, you will want box and papers. f you will keep it, then it doesn't really matter.

That’s pretty much where I land on this one too.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I understand what you're saying, but those still aren't the original warranty.

Which is moot once expired. Would rather have something current.

[Mr.Rolex1]

Depends on the watch

[Alan111]

It's a very subjective answer. Firstly, if the watch is still under the 5-year warranty period then the papers are important. It also depends on your intention with the watch. If you plan on keeping the watch forever, then papers are meaningless. Papers only matter to those who care about them. For me, I would rather take a steeper discount than pay higher with papers. I live in NY, so getting a Rolex authenticated is a 15 minute ride to the RSC for me. For a $150 fee (I think), Rolex will provide you with new papers showing the model, serial, dial etc.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Which is moot once expired. Would rather have something current.

I guess it's personal preference, but I don't consider a service warranty card a replacement for the original warranty and wouldn't purchase a watch that only has a service card. I can get one of those whenever I decide to have the watch serviced, but there's no replacing that original warranty.

[kirksingleton]

I don't give expired papers a lot of value. Sure, I would rather have it but I would rather buy the seller and the quality of the piece if I wanted the watch. I have never had a problem selling a watch without the box & papers for a good price.

[HORNBLOWER]

They are a tool that dealers use to beat you down with.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by kirksingleton

I don't give expired papers a lot of value. Sure, I would rather have it but I would rather buy the seller and the quality of the piece if I wanted the watch. I have never had a problem selling a watch without the box & papers for a good price.

Yep. Original paperwork holds little value, to me, if the watch is beat to hell.

[TimeLord2]

If the watch is quite old, Rolex will offer you the chance to have them send it to their "Vintage" department in Pennsylvania where they will verify all the parts on your watch originally came with your watch. $500. Then if you want them to service it ($1000 without parts) they will remove pretty much all the authentic parts dial, hands, bezel, bezel insert, bracelet to make it function properly. Takes the entire meaning out of the "Vintage" department more like the "Upgrade" "Sidegrade" or perhaps "Vintage Ruination" department would be a better moniker. This was my experience 2 weeks ago at RSC in BH, CA. When it's old, Rolex definitely has a problem identifying their own products… After my experience, I don't think even Rolex would consider box and papers verification of the actual watch. They have records about the specific serial numbers and specific configuration at sale but are just not willing to share the information—without compensation.

[Seibei]

It is not about verification or authentication to me. It is about completeness, getting the entire package, with nothing missing. Few things annoy me more than looking at something that is meant to be a set of things, for example a tool kit with one or two pieces missing. On a rational level I know it does not mean much, but on some rather irrational level it drives me nuts.

Perhaps this is due to past experience. I once had a nice watch and I rather foolishly disposed of items that accompanied it. I am still kicking myself for that...

Call me crazy, but even the white hang tag on new watches is a very big deal to me. If that is missing, then to me it is not a full set and therefore much less desirable than a watch that has everything it is meant to have.

[Seibei]

[billfredericks]

I get real pleasure from looking at all the doodads that come in sets...